Mental Health Facilitator - Newcastle

Are you looking for an office with a view? Do you love the outdoors and its healing benefits? Combine your love of the ocean with helping people, to become part of the Waves of Wellness team.

Overview

Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation is a for-purpose mental health charity committed to changing lives through our innovative surf therapy programs for people experiencing mental ill-health. Facilitated by mental health clinicians who double as surfing instructors, these programs facilitate functional recovery, inclusion, social connection and enhanced quality of life. The program uses the ocean and surfing as a conduit to explore, stimulate and facilitate mental health literacy outcomes. The primary focus of the program is to introduce surfing to participants as a way to improve physical health, mental health and wellbeing in a neutral, non-intrusive environment.

Our 8 week surf therapy programs address a different mental health theme allowing participants to learn new skills and strategies through lived experience, storytelling, and connection with like-minded individuals. Clinical expertise facilitates functional recovery and meaningful connection. A therapeutic graded approach is essential to promote recovery in a supported environment rather than overwhelming participants. Through involvement in this program, participants gain the opportunity to learn how to use surfing as a coping strategy for their mental health.

Description of the Role

As a WOW Facilitator, you will provide on the ground support, supervision and facilitation of mental health group discussion, and surf coaching. This role will work to serve a broad range of demographics and groups. The role is available working Wednesday & Thursday morning’s (approx. 6 hours per day) on a casual program-by-program basis, with an opportunity to explore a part time role (2.5 days) for the right applicant with extensive admin and community engagement expertise. Work will take place at Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach. Days of work can be negotiated from May onward to suit your schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities

WOWSE facilitators divide their time amongst the following program elements.

  • Facilitation of group discussions

  • Surf Coach instruction

  • Supervision of volunteers

  • Administrative duties related to day-to-day running of the program

  • Represent WOW to existing and new stakeholders

  • Program promotion

  • Van and equipment care

  • Community engagement and advocacy

Experience and Qualifications

Essential Criteria:

  • Must have intermediate surfing experience and passion for surfing, the ocean, and the outdoors

  • Relevant allied health qualification in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or mental health Nursing, or related fields; and a willingness to maintain relevant allied health professional registration

  • Experience working with people who are experiencing mental health challenges, along with knowledge on mental health recovery, strength-based programming, and various aspects of wellness

  • Understanding of Trauma Informed Care framework

  • Experience in mental health group facilitation and the management of group dynamics; and an ability to create a fun, positive, non-judgemental, safe space within a group setting with elements of self-disclosure to promote non-invasive openness

  • Demonstrated understanding of duty of care responsibilities, confidentiality, risk assessments, and client consent

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as work independently with high level communication and organisational skills

  • Demonstrated ability to role model positive behavior as a facilitator

  • Willingness to undergo Child Protection check and Police check

  • Current unrestricted Australian driver’s license

  • Ability to support and promote the mission and values of the Waves of Wellness Foundation

Desirable Criteria:

  • Knowledge of community networks and resources in applicable communities

  • Experience with youth dealing with trauma, people experiencing PTSD, people who are receiving NDIS support, individuals who experience mental health challenges, people who experience homeless, people from CaLD backgrounds and people from Indigenous communities

  • Lived experience with mental health challenges and confidence in sharing your personal journey

  • Experience with volunteer management

Benefits and Culture:

What’s in it for you? Here at Waves of Wellness, we really value our team members and culture is everything. We ensure everyone feels connected and supported to succeed in their role. As such, we offer the following benefits:

  • A fun energised team, committed to making a difference

  • A psychologically supportive culture - wellbeing resources and EAP mental health support sessions

  • Annual team retreat

  • Flexible working arrangements

Our commitment to celebrating diversity:

Waves of Wellness is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all people, celebrating the unique diversity each individual brings. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from minority or marginalised communities.

How to Apply

Please email your CV to careerwithpurpose@foundationwow.org highlighting relevant academic and work experience, and a cover letter (3 pages maximum). While we thank all candidates for their interest, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications due by 5th February 2024, please note we will be processing applications as they come through, early applications are encouraged

Rosie O'Neill